Beale, Sophie 
ORCID: 0000-0003-0164-103X
(2021)
Keeping horses barefoot: a shared accomplishment.
PhD thesis, University of Liverpool.
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Abstract
Introduction My research aimed to improve understanding of equine barefoot care and to show how horse owners work with others, particularly barefoot trimmers, to deliver this type of care. Methods Data were collected from trimmers and horse owners using in-depth interviews (face-to-face and telephone) and online questionnaires. Data collected via the trimmer interviews (n=6) were analysed using a grounded theory approach to facilitate the development of a conceptual model. Trimmer questionnaire data (n=58) and horse owner data (interviews: n=5; questionnaire responses: n=681) were used to support the conceptual model. Results The overarching conceptual model illustrated the relationships between essential elements of becoming and being a trimmer, regardless of trimmer barefoot beliefs. It comprised three elements: (i) a foot-centred approach, (ii) the provision of foot-centred care, and (iii) building and safeguarding reputation. Keeping a horse barefoot was shown to be a holistic, foot-centred approach to care. When making changes to the horse’s care or exercise, the effect of such changes on the horse’s feet took priority. The success of the approach was assessed by the extent to which the horse was comfortable barefoot (the foot-functionality goal). Foot-centred care was delivered using the balance management cycle (Assess, Plan, Do). Factors that affected the horse’s feet were assessed and findings from the assessment were used to develop a Plan. The Plan set out adjustments to care and exercise that were needed to help reach foot-functionality goals. The Do phase involved implementing the Plan. After a period that varied depending on individual circumstances, the cycle re-commenced. The success of the process was a shared accomplishment involving mainly the trimmer and horse owner, but also expert advisors and members of the horse owner’s social circle. The success of a trimmer’s business was also a shared accomplishment. Horse owners tended to find trimmers through word-of-mouth recommendations. Also, some owners decided to keep their horse barefoot after seeing how successful this approach was for other people’s horses. Trimmers employed several reputation-building and safeguarding strategies, including being selective about which clients they took on, providing a high level of customer service to support existing clients and ceasing to work with clients who were not implementing their advice. Conclusions Keeping a horse barefoot is a holistic, foot-centred approach to delivering care. It involves balancing the care, exercise and environmental factors that affect horses’ hooves. The approach is a co-production involving not only the horse owner and trimmer but also members of the owner’s equine and social networks. Trimmers’ businesses are reliant on reputation and they actively take steps to build and safeguard it
| Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) |
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| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Feb 2021 16:43 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2023 23:01 |
| DOI: | 10.17638/03115150 |
| Supervisors: |
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| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3115150 |
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